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Determined DeVere ready for next step

Brisbane Roar’s defensive star Luke DeVere is determined to take his burgeoning career to the next level and continue his progress as one of Australia’s next generation of superstars.

Brisbane Roar-s defensive star Luke DeVere is determined to take his burgeoning career to the next level and continue his progress as one of Australia-s next generation of superstars.

DeVere-s standout performances at the heart of the Roar-s defence throughout last season have endeared him as a fan favourite.

Already capped at youth international level, DeVere has been anointed by many experts as a future Qantas Socceroo, with the belief underlined by a call-up to a national training camp earlier this year.

Eager to pick-up from where he left off last season, the 20-year-old said he is fully focused on improving and becoming a better player this season.

“Obviously I had a good end to last season and I-m looking to try and carry on from there,” DeVere said.

“Hopefully I continue to improve and develop at the start of this season.

“I-m feeling pretty fit and the squad has had a lot of successful pre-season performances.

“We-ll just have to carry that into the season and get away to a good start.”

First up for DeVere and his Brisbane team-mates is a trip down the M1 to Skilled Park and the awaiting Gold Coast United.

Games against United have not been a happy hunting ground for the Roar who are yet to pick up any points against its south east Queensland rival.

But despite acknowledging the Roar-s barren spell in the M1 Derby, DeVere was confident the new season would yield a better result for the Brisbane club.

“The results against United might be in the back of some player-s minds but it-s a new season, a new team and a new outlook,” he said.

“And I think it will be about getting off to a good start more than anything.

“It-s been a long pre-season and the boys have been working hard for all that time.

“So everyone is itching to get onto the field and try to turn all that hard work into a win against United.”

The Hyundai A-League 2010/11 opener ushers a new era for Brisbane, with coach Ange Postecoglou-s revamped side ready to show its potential against one the club-s biggest rivals.

One of the Roar-s on-field generals, DeVere-s strength, dedication and commitment have been rewarded with a leadership position in the new look squad.

Joining captain Matt McKay, vice captain Shane Stefanutto and senior leader Michael Theoklitos, DeVere said his promotion was a show of faith in the club-s younger generation.

“I guess it-s a bit of an apprenticeship,” DeVere joked.

“I think with the leadership group, the boys were trying to involve someone a little bit younger and establish a link between the different age divisions.

“And it-s an honour to get chosen by the boys to be in the leadership group.”